Oklahoma Farm Bureau Safety Services has added a new video to their defensive driving program describing the dangers of sending text messages while driving.
The video tells the story of Dallas Hutchinson, who was killed in an automobile collision on July 18, 2010, while texting and driving. Cheryl Nichols, Hutchinson’s mother, is featured in the video as she details the collision that took her son’s life.
“Dallas was 23 years old,” Nichols said of her son. “He didn’t like cell phones at first, but once he learned how to text – it was like an addiction.”
OFB Safety Services shares Nichols’ story to curb drivers’ use of text messaging while operating motor vehicles.
“This video gives us the opportunity to teach drivers around the state of Oklahoma about the real consequences of texting and driving,” said Justin Grego, director of OFB Safety Services. “People who drive on our state’s roads have a real concern about their fellow drivers texting.”
In the video, Nichols tells the events that happened the night her son was killed. She warns drivers that losing a loved one because they were texting and driving is a painful experience.
“We just need to put our phones away,” Nichols said. “It can wait. It really can.”
OFB Safety Services provides defensive driving programs to drivers across the state. Oklahoma Farm Bureau members who have their automobile insurance through the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company can receive a discount on their auto insurance upon completion of the course. The course can be provided to groups other than Farm Bureau members, upon request.
For more information, contact Safety Services Director Justin Grego at (405) 523-2300.
